The NFL ratings slump continues unabated, but all things considered, 30 million viewers for a Jaguars game is pretty good.
Last Sunday’s Jaguars-Steelers AFC Divisional Round game had an 18.3 rating and 31.4 million viewers on CBS, down 8% in ratings and 15% in viewership from Steelers-Chiefs on NBC last season, which was moved from 1 PM ET to primetime due to inclement weather (19.8, 37.1M).
Compared to the Seahawks-Panthers on FOX two years ago, which aired as scheduled, ratings fell 13% (from 21.1) and viewership 14% (from 36.7M).
The Jaguars’ high-scoring upset was the least-watched Sunday Divisional Round game since 2012 (Texans-Ravens: 31.0M) and tied as the lowest rated since 2002 (Ravens-Steelers: 17.9).
Of the 34 Sunday Divisional Round games dating back to the 2001-02 season, it ranks 27th in viewership. Including Saturday games, it ranks a more middle-of-the-pack 35th out of 68.
Jaguars-Steelers was the third NFL telecast this season to exceed 30 million viewers, not far off the same point last season (four), but well below the total two years ago (eight). By comparison, only one other television program has exceeded 30 million over the past year — last year’s Academy Awards (32.9M).
Early Sunday Divisional Round Ratings, Viewership (Past Decade
[Numbers via ShowBuzz Daily 1.17]
